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If you’ve been diagnosed with skin cancer, there’s a good chance that Mohs micrographic surgery will be done to remove the cancerous cells. Although it is a very effective skin cancer treatment, it often results in a large, disfiguring wound. When this occurs, Dr. Larson is uniquely trained to perform Mohs reconstruction, which can restore your healthy appearance.

Life After Skin Cancer

After a serious skin cancer diagnosis and subsequent treatment, most patients just want to move on. Unfortunately, if the Mohs surgery needed to remove your cancerous lesion left a large deformity in its place, that can be impossible. When this occurs, Mohs reconstruction will be necessary to repair the defect.

What Is Mohs Reconstruction?

Mohs surgery is a complex, lengthy procedure that involves removing thin layers of cancerous tissue until the entire malignant lesion has been excised. It is a form of micrographic surgery that allows for all of the cancerous cells to be removed, while preserving the healthy surrounding tissue.

Although only cancerous tissue is removed during Mohs surgery, the procedure inevitably leaves behind an extensive defect – especially if the cancer is large or advanced. When this occurs, a specialized corrective procedure known as Mohs reconstruction must be done to close the wound.

The benefits of Mohs reconstruction

  • Minimize defects due to skin cancer removal
  • Restore a natural appearance
  • Very discreet scarring

Are you a candidate?

To be considered a candidate for Mohs reconstruction, you should:

  • Be physically and emotionally healthy
  • Want to address aesthetic defects due to Mohs surgery
  • Have no additional skin cancer treatments scheduled

Meet Your Doctor Dr. Ethan Larson

Dr. Ethan Larson is celebrated throughout Tucson for his unmatched technical skill and the breadth of his knowledge. By embracing innovation at every turn, he continues to raise the bar in Southern Arizona for top-quality cosmetic care. Known as one of the best plastic surgeons Tucson has to offer, he is highly trained and experienced in all aspects of plastic surgery, including reconstruction of traumatic, oncologic and surgical defects. Dr. Larson is Certified by The American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) and is also a member of the Arizona Community Surgeons (ACS) group.

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Dr. Ethan Larson Plastic Surgeon

The Surgery: What To Expect

Dr. Larson will tailor your Mohs reconstruction surgery to meet your needs. The procedure is typically done under twilight sedation and will involve removing a section of skin and tissue from another area of the body and transferring it to cover the defect. This flap can either retain its own blood supply or Dr. Larson can attach small blood vessels during microsurgery.

After the procedure, you will be free to return home immediately. Some pain is to be expected, but it should be easy to manage with over-the-counter pain medication. In addition to some post-surgical discomfort, bruising and swelling are common. These effects can be persistent, but they usually subside within eight weeks.

Most of our patients can return to work within three to seven days. However, you should continue to avoid exercise for a full two weeks. Dr. Larson will offer additional recovery guidance during your post-operative appointments.

Mohs Reconstruction Tucson
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